Staff member injured after violent row at leisure centre in Midlands

Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to a violent row which broke out at Laois Leisure in Portarlington on Tuesday evening. 

A member of staff required hospital treatment after the “distressing and violent” incident at Laois Leisure in Portarlington yesterday. 

The female staff member is believed to have hurt her head and face after she was knocked over during a brawl which forced the cancellation of classes and early closure of the leisure centre. 

Gardaí said they are at the early stages of their investigation and are viewing CCTV and canvassing witnesses.  They described the incident as “horrible” for staff and they appealed to anyone with information to come forward.  

The Leinster Express/Laois Live understands an altercation between two groups began after words were exchanged with one group who were using the sauna and a second group of people who had arrived at the centre at around 6pm. 

It’s understood the verbal exchange escalated into a brawl and poles used for cleaning the pool and chairs were used during the fight which involved a number of individuals. The brawl is thought to have continued from the sauna and pool area into the corridor. It’s believed the staff member who was knocked and hurt during the row required x-rays in hospital.   

The Leisure Centre posted a message online shortly after the incident on Tuesday evening.  

“Due to a serious incident of anti-social behaviour between customers, we will be closing early tonight following the Aquafit class at 7:45 pm. This decision has been made to allow our staff time to decompress after a distressing and violent situation. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support,” they stated. 

Leisure Centre General Manager, Seán Quirke, issued a statement on social media on Wednesday.  He thanked the public for the concern they have shown the team of staff following the unruly incident.

“There is an active Garda investigation into the incident for which a result will be pursued on behalf of our many fantastic customers, our team of staff and the protection of a safe environment for swimming in Portarlington since 1974. I can confirm that while not directly attacked, one of our team of staff was injured and is now recovering following attendance at Portlaoise A & E last night.

I would like to commend our staff for looking out for and moving other customers to safety during the incident and for their immediate call for Garda support which arrived within a short time frame.

Once again, thank you all for your support and we look forward to seeing you all using the facilities in the days ahead,” Mr Quirke said.  

Gardaí are asking anyone who has information in relation to the incident to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100 or Portarlington Garda Station on 057 862 3112.